The Federal Government has renewed its commitment to confronting the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, describing them as critical threats to Nigeria’s sustainable development and environmental security. The commitment was reaffirmed at the closing of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Environment at the Katsina State Secretariat, Katsina State. The three-day meeting brought tog

The House of Representatives has approved electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV) as part of amendments to the Electoral Act. The approval followed the adoption of relevant clauses in the Electoral Bill 2025 during consideration by the House sitting as a Committee of the Whole, aimed at enhancing transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process. Under Clause

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive social development and global cooperation as the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented the country at the Arab Ministerial Conference on the Implementation of the Doha Declaration 2025, held in Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Addressing Arab ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives of international and regional organisations, the minister conveyed the

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has empowered 250 elderly citizens aged 65 years and above in Katsina State with a total sum of ₦50 million, as part of efforts to enhance their welfare and promote dignified living in old age. Each beneficiary, drawn from across the 34 Local Government Areas of the state, received a cash grant of ₦200,000 under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Elderly Support Scheme, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age.” The programme, which represen

The Federal Government has confirmed the release of a Nigerian Air Force aircraft and 11 personnel who were detained in Burkina Faso following a forced landing, ending nearly two weeks of diplomatic engagement over the incident. The confirmation was announced on Wednesday night by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, who stated that the detained aircraft and personnel had been freed. “Yes, they have been released,” Ebienfa said briefly, co

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has acknowledged the intermittent power supply and prolonged outages currently being experienced by customers across its franchise areas covering Oyo, Kwara, Ogun, Ibadan and Osun states, expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to residents and businesses. In a statement issued by its management, the electricity distribution company explained that the situation was beyond its immediate control and had affected servic

The Senate on Tuesday approved a revised Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2026–2028, lowering Nigeria’s crude oil benchmark to $60 per barrel for 2026 and endorsing a ₦54.46 trillion federal spending framework aimed at cushioning the economy against global uncertainties. The approval followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Finance, presented at plenary by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa, during a session presided over by S

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a new Proclamation further restricting entry into the United States for nationals of countries considered high-risk due to what the White House described as “demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing” that pose threats to U.S. national security and public safety. Among the 15 additional countries newly placed under partial travel restrictions is Nigeria, according to a fact sheet p

The Yoruba Nurses in the Diaspora have announced plans to conduct a free medical outreach in Ogun State as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare and promote the wellbeing of residents, particularly those with limited access to medical services. The outreach, scheduled for December 16, is being organised by the Yoruba Nurses of North America in partnership with Shokesta Development, and is aimed at delivering compassionate healthcare services to communities across th

Elderly residents of Oyo State on Tuesday received financial and healthcare support as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, approved the disbursement of ₦50 million under the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), aimed at improving the welfare and wellbeing of senior citizens in the state. The programme, themed “Finding Joy in Old Age,”  was held at the Local Government Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, as part of the

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has distributed relief materials to victims of flood and windstorm disasters in six Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, as part of the Federal Government’s humanitarian response to ease the suffering of affected communities. The intervention was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday via the NEMA Sokoto Facebook page, noting that the distribution exercise took place at the Government House, Sokoto. The agency said the in

U.S. President Donald Trump has launched a $10 billion lawsuit against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), claiming the broadcaster manipulated his January 6, 2021 speech to make it appear he incited the Capitol riot. The complaint, filed in federal court in Miami, accuses the BBC of defamation and violation of Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The lawsuit specifically targets a documentary aired on the BBC’s Panorama program, which spliced together

The United States Consulate General in Lagos has announced a pre-departure orientation programme for Nigerian students who have obtained valid US student visas, aimed at equipping them with essential information and skills needed for academic and social life in the United States. The orientation session is scheduled to hold on Thursday, December 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will take place at the US Consulate General, 2 Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos. Ac

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has urged all states of the federation to fast-track the passage of the Harmonised Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Bill, describing the legislation as critical to achieving uniformity in the application of taxes, rates, and levies at the sub-national level. The board noted that the proposed law aligns with the national objectives of ongoing fiscal and tax reforms, and would help eliminate multiple taxation, improve compliance, and

Vice President Kashim Shettima is in Lagos State to attend the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, an event focused on reviewing national security challenges and strengthening strategies for long-term peace and stability in the country. The Vice President was received on Monday by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside other top government officials upon his arrival in the state for the high-level military gathering. Governor Sanwo-Olu was, in turn

President Bola Tinubu has approved a significant increase in the budget of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from about N3 billion to nearly N20 billion, in a move aimed at reforming the nation’s asset declaration regime, strengthening verification processes, and enhancing enforcement capacity across the public service. The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Dr Abubakar Bello, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), exp

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, passed away on Monday after collapsing in his office in Yenagoa, marking a sudden end to a long career in public service. Ewhrudjakpo reportedly slumped around 1:30 p.m. while descending a staircase shortly after a meeting and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa, where doctors battled to revive him. Hospital sources said he arrived unconscious and was taken to the Emergency Unit befor

The Federal Government on Thursday unveiled Nigeria’s first Gas Trading License alongside a Clearing House and Settlement Authorization, presented by the Executive Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, to Jex Markets Ltd in Abuja. Engr. Ahmed said the license represents a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s gas market into a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly system, noting tha

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador, alongside several other high-profile nominees. Also cleared were former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Grace Bent, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. T

World Trade Organisation Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has celebrated her inclusion on Forbes’ 100 World’s Most Powerful Women list for 2025, marking her eighth appearance on the influential global ranking. In a post shared on her verified X handle, Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a reminder of the weight of leadership. She noted that being listed again reinforced her commitment to strengthening the rules-bas